Cherokee Trail, led by Alex Dillenbeck, returns a strong cast this fall. Photo by Alan Versaw.
Defending state champion Cherry Creek graduated four from their state team, but the strength of their lineup is back. Dakota Ridge graduated Evan Appel, one who will go down as one of the best high school cross country runners in state history, but returns three key members of last year’s state team.
Both teams took hits, but both teams are well-coached. It would be unreasonable not to expect both teams to be back among the contenders this fall. Cherry Creek and Dakota Ridge may find, however, that a few teams have leapfrogged them on the power curve—at least for the time being.
Regis Jesuit enters the season wearing the mantle of the favorite, not that anyone particularly wants to be caught wearing that mantle. Bobby Nicolls is gone, but Regis may end up a stronger team this year anyway. The added year of development and experience for the rest of the lineup should compensate for the loss of Bobby Nicolls. Danny Nicolls returns with hopes of improving on his fifth-place finish from last year.
Coronado was as close as they’ve ever been last year and there is only one hole to fill for the Cougars. Dusty Solis, Jesse Mathews, and Dylan Witte make a very nice threesome up front. If the lower half of the lineup comes through, this team could be exceptional. It's been a while since Coach Doug Hugill had a state championship team, but it's doubtful that the desire has diminished.
Cherokee Trail, which only recently entered the 5A ranks, must be reckoned with as well. Alex Dillenbeck heads up a strong group of four seniors, each of whom should be dipping below 17:00 this season.
While we're focused on Cherry Creek School District programs, word has been leaking out about a strong Smoky Hill team waiting in the wings. A team this good would get a lot of immediate attention in any other league but the Centennial League, but even this league may not be good enough to keep the wraps on the Buffaloes for long. Matt Caldwell enters his senior season with one more shot at making a magical season. The brothers Erickson should provide a lot of help along the way.
Arapahoe is everyone’s mystery team. How good will the Warriors be with Connor Winter running alongside Jason Kearns? If Arapahoe finds depth, this team could be an instant contender. It’s likely we’ll know by September 4 when Arapahoe hosts its annual home meet at DeKoevend Park. Coronado typically goes to the Arapahoe Invitational, so we could get a quick read on the relative strength of these two teams on opening weekend.
Other possibilities abound. Though not as strong on paper coming in as the aforementioned teams, Rampart, Palmer, and Loveland each have a history of making some kind of noise every year. Each has enough talent coming back that it would be foolish to overlook them. Each, however, also have questions that are begging to be answered. Time will tell what the answers to those questions are.
My personal favorite longshot team is Monarch. The Coyotes were a barely-detectable 16th place at last year's state meet, but bring back considerable young talent and depth. Overhauling the programs lined up in front of them, however, will be a considerable undertaking.
As Regis enters the season as a consensus team favorite, so also is there a pretty clear consensus favorite in the individual race. And that would be Cherry Creek’s Walter Schafer. Schafer enters the season as a) the top returning cross country runner from fall 2008, b) the top returning runner in the 1600 from track, and c) the top returning runner in the 3200 from track. That, ladies and gentlemen, is a convincing resume.
There are several, however, who shouldn’t be throwing in any towels just yet. Among those holding onto their towels are Danny Nicolls, Connor Winter, Jason Kearns, Matt Caldwell, Roblet Muhudin (Overland), Alex Dillenbeck, Dusty Solis, Andrew Goodman (Palmer), Austin Appel (Dakota Ridge), and Adam Sinda (Pomona). In what promises to add an element of intrigue to the state championship race, almost every contending team also has a contending individual. Much will be at stake on October 31.